IP TAKE: While Levy has a big endowment and a keen interest in human rights, it gives a very limited number of grants every year in this area.

PROFILE: The Leon Levy Foundation was established with a Wall Street fortune in 2004, and reflects its founder’s deep interest in promoting a “democratic, just, and equitable society.” The foundation supports a wide range of causes, including human rights. The foundation's Human Rights program is quite selective, with support mainly going to a few, top organizations. Groups that have received money in recent years include the Committee to Protect Journalists and Human Rights First.

Grants are made by invitation, mostly to organizations in or near New York. It does not accept unsolicited proposals or letters of inquiry.